Atwood closing for renovation Dec. 29

Atwood, the venerable upscale restaurant in the historic Burnham Hotel, will close at the end of December for a face-lift that will refresh its decor and add seating, its parent company told Crain's.

The revamp, the restaurant's first major one since 1998, is expected to take about two months.

Atwood, which changed its name from Atwood Cafe in February, hopes to open in March with a spring menu developed by executive chef Brian Millman, a veteran of Sable who took over the Atwood kitchen in August. Mr. Millman revamped the Loop restaurant's menu before taking time off for personal reasons.

Mr. Millman intends to maintain Atwood's focus on contemporary American cuisine, but he hopes to make dishes “more approachable,” said a Kimpton Hotels spokeswoman. “When Brian came over from Sable, he brought with him ties to several local famers and he's going to bring more Midwest ingredients to his plates.”

Diners can get a taste of Mr. Millman's cooking this fall; he recently launched his new menu, which includes a bacon-wrapped meatloaf, duck confit pot pie and a dish that features meatballs stuffed with Wisconsin cheese curds.

Concurrent with the Atwood renovation, the Burnham – a National Historic Landmark – also will get a refresh, but it will remain open, the spokesperson said.

Atwood's interior will continue to emphasize its historic roots, but with new furniture and updated decor, she said.